Berlin police dismantle massive stolen crate resale operation led by two brothers
Berlin police have raided four locations in connection with an alleged scheme involving stolen reusable transport crates. Two brothers, aged 51 and 56, are suspected of buying and reselling around 300,000 stolen crates, causing financial losses of over €840,000. Officers seized thousands of crates and nearly a million euros in cash during the operation.
The investigation began after authorities suspected large-scale commercial handling of stolen reusable crates. Detectives from the Berlin State Criminal Police Office and Police Academy carried out four search warrants on behalf of the Berlin Public Prosecutor's Office. Two business premises in Tempelhof and two residential properties—one in Tempelhof and another in Kreuzberg—were searched.
During the raids, officers confiscated over 8,000 crates and around €950,000 in cash. They also secured multiple data storage devices and mobile phones for further examination. The goal is to trace the remaining missing crates and uncover the full extent of the operation.
The crates, each carrying a deposit of €3.50 to €3.86, belonged to roughly 30 other companies, suggesting a wider network of affected businesses. The total estimated financial damage from the stolen crates amounts to approximately €841,000. Authorities have not yet determined how many companies across Germany or Europe may have been impacted by similar thefts.
The probe into the case remains active, with investigators analysing seized data to track down additional stolen crates. The two brothers are under scrutiny for their alleged role in the scheme. Further details on the scope of the illegal trade are expected as the investigation continues.
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